Used 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Consumer Reviews
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Buyer beware
I post this review mainly to warn anyone thinking of purchasing a used 1994-2001 Ram 1500 4x4. Purchased new in 08/01. The first sign of things to come was when a stranger approached me and started a conversation with "So, have you ever had any trouble with your transmission?" The list of problems are water pump(bearing), transmission(rebuild at 70k and 95k after all req. service and no off road and towing 2x), "death wobble" (very nasty, do internet search), int. map light, and "Humpty Dumpty" dash. I call it that 'cause Dodge couldn't or wouldn't put it together again. Some of these complaints are highly reported on the internet. It is my first and last Dodge.
Trading 2001 Dodge for Ford
Purchased or 2001 Dodge with only 26,000 miles on it and purchase Dodges "Platanuim" extended warrenty coverage for extra $1900 cost. The best they offered. Within the first year cracks began forming on dash. Took for warrenty but turns out Dodge purposally excluded interior because they used poor quality plastics for years 1999-2003! They tried to tell us is was due to sun exposure...even though truck stays under cover! Has only 52,000 miles on it. Runs like new and looks like new until you look inside. Whole dash is gone! As is the glovebox and all the overhead added storage details! Cheaply made and then won't stand behind it. Trading for a Ford!
- SLTMSRP: $4,95023 mi away
- ST Quad CabMSRP: $6,99847 mi away
- SLTMSRP: $4,995147 mi away
Ram With Purpose
At 43000 miles the only things I've had to do with my truck,have been routine maintenance items.Oil changes every 4000 miles,new tires at 38000,and now new brakes at 43000.I have a family of five and it transports us comfortably when we all need to go somewhere.I've never once had to worry about it starting and/or leaving me stranded.By far it has been my best truck yet!
LOVE LOVE LOVE MY DODGE RAM!!!
My husband purchased this truck for me in 2002 as an anniversary present, it is the best gift he has ever purchased for me! It is now 2014 and I now have 220,000 + miles on it. It is by far the best vehicle we have ever owned! The v8 has plenty of power, fun to drive, reliable, roomy and comfortable. We replaced the transmission at about 120,000 and have put a radiator on it but that is it. Great truck! I can not say enough good things about it. I truly love my truck! It has kept me safe when was hit in the side on 3 different occasions and then on the 4th when a drunk driver hit me. I feel safe it this truck. I praise God 1st and foremost but I am thankful for the quality the truck
From day one
I have had my 2001 Dodge Ram 4x4 quad cab since it has 2 miles on it and it has about 110000 on it now. I love the looks. At 6'7" I love the room and height. Now lets get to the rest. Since I bought it I have replaced the rear end twice. U joints twice. New brakes three times. A brake line broke ( rust) so suddenly that I went to a store with brakes and when I left I had NO brakes. They went to the floor. Replace shocks twice. A/c compressor. I keep it very clean and it still is rusting on the bottom rails. Window fits are terrible ( air noise). I have over serviced this vehicle as far as required maintenance. The cd player went out at 55000 miles and now I have to get a new radio. The engine has held up ok ( knock on wood). All this that has happened is due to poor parts being used by Dodge and low quality craftsmenship. They keep saying Ram tough on TV. I say. Ram is not tough at all. Then they ask why does Toyota and the other foreign models do so well. They make cars that stand up. Dodge makes them good enough to just get you out the door.
- Safety
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
Definitely a decent truck
I had my 01 RAM passed down to me a few years ago when my grandfather had gotten the new 2010 F150. It was a great truck and has been through a lot over the years. However it also had over $2000 of work done to it to keep it running. Rebuilt transmission, replaced rotors, brakes, tires, all kinds of pumps and wire, plus all kinds of stuff I can't even remember. But nothing you wouldn't expect from a Dodge truck, especially at 10 years old. All-in-all, it was a good truck, and really sturdy. The V6 Magnum wasn't too powerful, but it lasted the life of the truck and still pushes to this day, at 140,000 miles. If only the fuel economy didn't suck.
I'd rather walk!
This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. It gets worse fuel mileage than my 81 Chevy 4x4 with 4.10 gears and a carb! So much for 20 years of progress. The 5.2 motor is so gutless, overdrive is useless. This truck has 45000 miles on it and I have replaced the oil pump TWICE! The transmission has never shifted right, and four different Dodge dealers have been unable to find the problem. It backfires through the intake for no reason any dealer can find, and both top ball joints have gone bad. As soon as I can trade this sucker in and not risk financial ruin, it will be gone. If someone gave me a choice between another Dodge Ram and a blind mule, I would take the blind mule.
dodge ram 1500
on 2nd trany, had a plug mis firing and the air intake gasket need to be replace and all this at 7,000 miles i have always loved dodge but i guess they are going down hill
Dodge Trucks lead the pack
Well I've had 3 Ford pickups, 2 Chevys and 4 Dodges. All good pickups but this truck will not die. I have almost 200k on it. 195475 to be exact. I have never done anything but change the oil, tires, and brakes. I drive it hard, pull a toyhauler and go on many 4x4 roads where im from. This truck has been everywhere. I have the 5.9L. My truck is also lifted 10" on 39.5" superswampers. What a superb vehicle
Solid American Truck
I've had this truck for several years now and so far it runs like a champ. It does have cheap plastic. I've never seen one with a perfect dashboard, though they do make dash caps. The transmission is the worst thing about this truck. Mileage is 184k and it does have the original transmission, but it doesn't like to shift gears quickly (almost have to floor it for it to downshift and left almost completely off the accelerator for it to shift up). Gas milage is 14/15 around town and 17-18 on the freeway.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
10 Years of Great Service
I purchased this vehicle 10 years ago (8/05) and it has given me great service. The only repairs I have done are ones I would expect to do (alternator, master cylinder, water pump, ball joints, shocks, brake lines). I have heard about problems with cracks in the dash. Mine only started cracking 2 years ago, but is getting bad. Overall I can't believe that I have had a vehicle for 10 years and had no major problems. It currently has 97,000 miles at 14 years. I know that the next vehicle I get won't give me the service this one has, and that makes it hard to part with, even though I need to due to lifestyle changes.
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
Experience says
The first review I wrote about this RAM was pretty positive. But now I've had the truck 2 years and 80,000 miles. I just had to do another major transmission reowrk. The torque converter failed. After this round I seriously doubt I would ever consider another Dodge. The 46RE transmission is not only JUNK but there should be a class action suite against Dodge. This is the sorriest excuse for a transmission I've encountered in 25 years of driving.
Big and Fast
I have the extended cab 5.9L SPORT, I LOVE IT! Itty bitty girl, in a big truck, but hey, it works. I have yet to lose a race =). Flowmasters are a definate must b/c Dodges have a distinct low rumble... yummy. Very roomy in the interior and under the hood, I love working on it. Lacks in rear seat space, pulls to the right, and I have a squeeking noise coming from the front, I just turn up the radio though. Fast for a big heavy truck, and so many extras to put on it. Only thing I hate is the gas mileage. I average 13 mpg. I'm sure racing doesn't help that either though...
My First Truck
I have had this truck just over a year now. So far I have little to complain about. I have not had it in for any service. The only thing I have had to go to the dealer for is a broken overhead-sunglass holder. The ride is great (for a truck), solid feel. The quad cab is great! I have 3 kids and the truck will carry my entire family. with the 3 kids in back. It also has plenty of room to carry stuff in cab. I increased gas mileage about 35 miles a tank full by getting toneau cover. My only complaint, I wish I got 4-wheel drive, winter traction not the greatest.
love this truck
great truck pull alot with it on the farm around 15 mpg out of big v8 not bad
Nice Truck
Bought it at 72500 miles for a dependable move from WA to Anchorage AK. It was dependable even with the - 20 temperatures of living there. 14MPG at utmost best towing a 6x12 U-haul all 2400 miles to AK was about 9.5MPG. Replaced a couple u-joints and both front wheel bearings at 105000 miles after we moved back.
Great dependable ride
The V8 is peppy,handling good. Turning radius could be better. Dependable, access to bed and cab good, under hood items easy to see/access. Dual exhaust sounds great, fuel mileage better w/duals. My wife loves this truck and says it is easy for her to operate, she's 5ft tall. Good truck.
2001 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 1500
5.9L V-8 4-spd Auto Quad Cab So far, I have had very few problems with the truck... Although the original Passenger rated tires wore to a very noticeable condition after only 29000 miles. So far, no major problems with the engine or powertrain, other than routine maintenance. Tows extremely well, and has plenty more power to give if needed... The only drawback is mileage averages about 12-14 city and highway, and about 8 mpg while towing...
Great Truck But Needs Work
This is an awesome truck. I have put over 90,000 miles on it since I bought it in 04. The Tranny just went out thanks to the Tq Converter at 166,000. Really good for this crappy tranny. I currently have a friend not just rebuilding it but doing it all the way. Everyone who has Tranny problems replace your tq converter with your tranny. I hate the dash. My water pump died at 100.000 and my right front hub bearing went at 100,000. But after all that I love this truck. I have driven it across this country 4 times and about to again. Very comfortable, plenty of power. Tows well past its rating and still hooks even with a bad tq converter. Again awesome truck. I will be driving it for along time.
i wanted to love this truck, BUT........
truck has had over $7,000 warranty work...poor build at the factory?? who knows...has been out of commission over 55 days during 4-yr lease. i dream of the day i trade this truck in!! i wanted to love this big bad-assed truck - we put dual exhaust, awesome sound system, color matched spray in bed liner, huge tires, etc. but the gist is: this truck sucks. dodge dealerships suck more - never once were we treated with dignity & we went to 3 different locations praying for good repair work.
Nothing but headaches
I love the look of the Dodge Ram, however, that's as much praise as I can give it. In the 2 years I've owned it, I've had it in the shop 7 times. Problems have included the driveshaft, A.C., rims, torque converter and transmission. I may be in the minority but I've spoken to enough Ram owners to know that I'm not the only one to regret walking into a Dodge dealership.
does what it is needed to.
My dodge ram truck has been a very reliable vehicle to date. It pulls and hauls anything i need it to. allthough the gas mileage is less than great,it is an all around good reilable truck.
Not bad
So far I have had no problems with my truck. It came with nice aftermarket wheels and its looks good. I will have to say that the 5.9 does not have the best MPG but it can pull my trailer with no problem. Love the room in the engine area. I was able to change/get to the plugs with no problem. Hope to get some good years out of this truck
Very good truck
This has been a very good truck for the time that I have owned it, the only problems that I have had with it is the O2 sensor and spark plug wires, which is basically just regular parts that are going to need to be changed eventually. This truck has got plenty of power with the 5.9L v8. The truck sits high for a stock truck, when I pull up to the other competitor trucks and they have the 2500 or 3500, or 250, 350, etc. I am usually the same height or a little bit higher, which makes the truck seem a lot bigger for the model. I would buy this truck again, no questions asked.
Ram Quad Cab 2x4
Outstanding drivetrain, comfortable ride. It is used for work truck. Found after purchase, the boots on the "lifetime" front upper and lower bearings were all cracked and the tires were rubbing the steering because they were oversized.
Must be a great truck still!
I owned a 2001 dodge ram 1500 for about a year and had to sell it. I am actually in the process of buying another. I was very happy when I had mine. It had plenty of power,drove great and was very comfortable. I did have a bad taste about the gas but who doesn't. I am just surprised that this rating is so low for this vehicle. I mean if gas and a CRACKED DASHBOARD is all there is to complain about? I mean I didn't know the dash had an effect on drivability. Just get a cover like I did.
I love this truck
I bought mine used 3 years ago with 70k, now she has 90k. I've had to replace the power steering pump and rear bumper -- rust is an issue with these trucks. Other than that, she starts up and runs like a charm. I have a 7.5' Western plow and she plows like a champ.
Truck minded
116,000 miles. Great truck. Work, hunting, fishing. Etc. Great interior, lots of room. Dash problems? No. The 5.2 lacks some power on highway (5 spd manual) lot of shifting especially in hills (mountains). Overall great truck, plan on owning another (diesel)
Grab life by the HORNS!
I bought this truck a month ago so this review is more for the looks and performance not maintanance records etc. Towing: good so far we towed my friends small horse trailor with it and it wasnt a problem at all. Cabin: Nice. usually the dash from what i hear is the worst thing on these trucks but mine works just fine exerior looks: great looks like a truck. thats all that matters. Speed and performance: great everytime i step into my truck and turn that key theres this loud rumble and girls look at me. its a great feeling. or when i put the pedal to floor theres this montrous roar coming from the powerful V8 engine it is honestly the best sound i have ever heard. It is a beast!
Good Truck-bad dash
Good truck, except for the cracked dash. Changed the thermostat to a colder one, get about 19 mpg hwy, and colder plugs (they like it cold) found that info on bionicdodge (all Dodge people), great place for info. Change the exhaust to dual pipes. Had a trans problem not long after I purchased, under warranty. I guess the owner before me did not know how to drive it (city owner).Now have 112,000+ miles on it, runs great! Love the cab space.
Fun to drive
This little truck with its 318 is fun.Can roast the tires anytime I feel like it. I don't have a hitch yet, so I don't know the mpg on towing or its performance.No problem getting up to hwy speed, great response. It's the first truck that I've had since an old chevy that brings a smile to my face.It also performs well in minor off road situations(it is only a 2wd), don't get too deep in the mud.Interior comfy,love the floorboards(easy to clean),good sound system and an overall good running truck.I bought it used about a year and a half ago with 140k on it,only had to replace a water pump.
1500 Hemi 4x4
Best truck I've ever owned.
Great Truck
An excellent truck. Not the first first truck I've ever driven, but the first one I've owned. The ride is above any other truck on the market. I often have chevy and ford owners riding with me that comment on how much smoother the ride is in my truck.
Ram review
This has been a very reliable vehicle. I normaly trade every year but because of the overall perormance of this truck I have had this one almost three years. I've had two factory recalls one for a loose power cable that wasn't loose and one to replace the clock spring in the steering column. I had one door speaker that failed in the first 30 days and the latch on the rear fold up seat didn't work when I accepted delivery from the dealer. That was also repaired. Other than that I haven't had to have anything but routine maintinance to the truck. I would recomend this truck for anyone needing a full size truck.
Solid Truck
My 2001 Dodge 6 cylinder 5 speed work truck has only had 2 repairs in 8 years. Air conditioner after 6 years and water pump at 96,000 miles. Like most Dodge trucks the dash is cracked every where. I get 18.4 miles per gallon every time i check the mileage. It has been a great truck and i doubt if any Japanese trucks this size could beat the gas mileage or reliability.
Dissapointment
My second RAM (first was a '97) I was hesitant to go with another RAM but fell in love with this 2001 on first site. BAD MISTAKE. Even more problems with this vehicle than the first. In the shop 7 times in the first 4 months. Electrical Problems, VERY poor mileage and I drive mostly highway with little stop and go and rarely over 65. 11-12mpg at best even with a K&N filter. OFF-Road Package bites. Truck creaks, rattles, vibrates. About to replace front bearings AGAIN. Tires are ~215/ea to replace (17") BEWARE
Power Ram 1500
Truck has been virtually trouble free for 32,000 miles (I'm on the 3rd driver's side master power window/door lock switch). Driver's side shock absorber bolt loosened once. Upgraded to 17" rims and Bridgestone Dueler/AT Revo tires and much happier. Gas mpg is 10 mpg in winter using 4wd and 18 mpg using 2wd on interstate(acceptible for V-8 truck).
My 01 Ram
I purchased this 01 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4wd with the 360 back in January. So far it has been a pretty good truck. The brakes have started squeeking slightly so need to be replaced but that happens with any vehicle. The other problem I have had is the dash has started cracking which is a common problem and just kind of annoys me. The chrome grill has also started bubbling but not very noticable unless up close. That's the bad now for the good. I love the truck it's pretty powerful and fun to drive. Rides pretty good especially since mines lifted and mud tires. It does great offroad while looking great. The interior is comfortable and the 360 has plenty of power to haul you around town.
Thomas' Ram Opinion
I would have preferred the smaller V8 engine, but to get leather interior and all the upgrades, the only one avail was the 5.7 V8. Two issues have developed, one there is a 'creak' in the suspension that evades remedy and a transmission power module failed that took three visits to the dealer to find. It was repaired under warrantee. No other issues.
1500 ram 2wd
had 1988 dodge ram 100 this 1500 is far better how ever gas mileage was about 2 mpg better on 1988 model both have 318 motors
Mighty Dodge
Since purchase no problems at all. Gas mileage good (probably due to manual trans) Does everything it is supposed to do. No frills st model only way to go. $8,000 less than slt, and less to potentially go wrong. 4wd works great in all type of conditions.
Good overall value
Overall, very satisfied. Have done little more than change oil, basic maintenance. Only "major" issue so far has been water pump at $200. Does have a few irritating squeaks, but overall has been a good, reliable vehicle. Car seat in back holds young kids well, but back seat room and comfort rate a 1. Gets 17.7 mpg highway (to-from work), so not bad. Excellent front seat comfort for big people (I'm 6'4"). I'm not keen on the maintenance schedule (manual states to change plugs/wires every 30K). I did have to pay $500 to have this done ... no way a homeowner could change these without major difficulty, and it should be a simple thing to do. Air filter change could be made easier too.
No Problems
I bought my Dodge Ram with the 5.2L engine and I've had no problems. It tows a camper well and I haven't found anything it can't haul. The gas mileage stinks but I knew that before I bought it. It's been a reliable truck that is a pleasure to drive as long as there's a gas station nearby.
My review
Overall experience has been outstanding !! I'm impressed by the ride and the tightness of the truck. I recently had to pull a trailer 1000 miles and I didn't even feel it except in the mountains of TN.
best truck/worst gas mileage
I bought this truck after owning a Chevy 4x4 extended cab with the 5.7 engine. I absolutely love this Dodge but hate the fact that it gets worse fuel mileage than my 92 Chevy 4x4 got. The only other complaint is that if I don't use at least 89 octane fuel it knocks like a bunch of bolts in a coffee can.
01 Ram 1500 off road SB/4WD
Bought this new great truck plenty of power. I plow snow haul heavy trailers, use it off road etc. Expect a very choppy ride for a straight axle SB/4WD. Put 600-800 lbs in the back and it rides far better, everything is a compromise. Few expensive repairs, I maintain myself, did a W/P at 65K Brakes at 60K front axle seals. Never a transmission problem, maybe because I service it.
Tis' a good truck, try it!!!! I like it
For the price of my doge as compared to a ford, I am verry happy with the performance and comfort, just remember, as with all vehicals you might get a lemon, it happens with all makes (ford gmc... ect...) it is your job to make sure its is not before you buy. Dodge Ram is a nice truck and the 5.9l has bucoo's of power and torqe. A+++++++
Good truck
I bought this used and from day one put it to work and has done everthing I've wanted it to do from loads to pulling. The suspension is great. I can load the bed and does not sag. The harder I work it the more it wants. A couple of things though. I only get about 10-12 mph maybe 14 tops. I notice there is a delay or no resposne when most times when gas is pushed (at a cruise speed)until you get down on it little. Tried everything to correct this don't know if design or a problem. Overall very satisfied.
I love it, but beware!
I bought the Dodge 1500 Ram SLT Laramie in March 01. No problems until this year Feb 04, with 1 month left to go on the waranty and 28500 miles the trans began to slip. The truck was tied up for two weeks at the dealer before they finally agreed to repair it. The front tires wear on the outside even though i rotate every 3000 miles and had the front end adjusted at 12000 and 20000 miles. The front wheel bearings will be next I guess.
Ram sport
Very happy with this truck. The ride and handling are great. The styling is excellent (better than the new ones). Overall size and function are just what I wanted. Not impressed by the gas mileage, but it is as good as Ford or Chevy at least. It seems well put together, no squeaks or rattles. Nothing falling off, no minor glitches. I had a 1997 just like this one and it was also fun to drive, trouble free and gave me no reason not to buy this one, I only switched to get one with lower miles and the newer sport styling